6. Microsoft Surface

Microsoft is making its own hardware, that’s why the hoopla. In an attempt to show its hardware partners how it’s done, Microsoft took the bull by the horns and designed its own tablet to showcase the company’s overhauled, bold and touch-friendly Windows 8 operating system. As searches for “Microsoft Surface” in 2012 relate to searches for “Microsoft Surface” in 2011, the term’s high placement this year shouldn’t be too terribly shocking. Before this year, Microsoft Surface referred to giant touchscreen tables; that project has since been renamed to Microsoft PixelSense.

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Surface offers slick industrial design, an inventive interface, full-blown Office apps which haven’t been truly optimized for tablets, and two very clever keyboard options. If part or all of that proposition appeals to you — and you’re optimistic about the Windows Store — this tablet is worth a look. For an audacious version 1.0 product, it’s impressive.